Duterte open to modifying BOL

The Philippine Star reports: “President Duterte is open to modifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to address the concerns of sectors that may not be satisfied with it. While the passage of the law has been hailed by peace advocates here and abroad, Duterte is not expecting everyone to favor the measure. […]

“Duterte said he would be forced to deploy soldiers and police officers if conflict breaks out. The President previously warned that failure to enact the BOL and correct the injustices done to Muslims could worsen the conflict in Mindanao and strengthen the recruitment of terrorists.

“Under the BOL, a 75-25 wealth sharing term in favor of the new Bangsamoro region will be implemented to raise its share in tax revenues. The national government will allocate P5 billion to the Bangsamoro annually for 10 years or P50 billion to rebuild areas ravaged by conflict. BOL also allows the region to enforce the Shari’ah or Islamic law exclusively to cases involving Muslims while adhering to the Constitution. Tribal laws will apply to disputes involving members of indigenous groups.”